Month Ahead // JULY 2024
MONTH AHEAD // juLY 2024
A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT'S COMING UP THIS MONTH
EDITOR’S NOTE //
And just like that…we’re halfway through 2024??!
Ok, but really…how did we get here already?! And by here I, of course, mean part way through the year. If someone could slow down time that would be great, thanks.
Just a little over two months ago now we lost my beloved Nana. She was my biggest inspiration, my hero in the kitchen and in life, hugely instrumental in me becoming the person I am today and, truth be told, I’ve been quite sad and a bit lost since she passed away.
Consequently, but completely unintentionally, I stepped back from my site and social media platforms, almost without even realizing it. Like I thought it was just a quick break and now here I am, realizing it’s been nearly 3 months without a new post.
I miss writing. I miss creating. I miss sharing.
But the break has also given me pause to think about how I show up on-line, and in life. Because the two are feeling increasingly disconnected.
People think working as a creative and working for yourself is so simple, so easy and breezy and fun. And while it’s true that there are many lovely sides of self-employment, there’s also the dark sides of what to do when everything you’re doing isn’t working, staying disciplined amidst nothing but chaos and uncertainty, motivating yourself when it feels like there’s no reason to actually be motivated, but mostly, what to do when you lose someone who means everything to you.
As a creative, I find it hard to separate work and personal. To me one doesn’t exist without the other. My personal life inspires my work and my work inspires my personal life. So when something not so great happens in my personal life, I don’t know how to separate it out of my work life. Instead, I do one of two things- I either overshare and put my heart out on my sleeve, or a hibernate away and don’t say a peep. There is no in between.
And on that sad little note…let’s make a hard pivot to summer fun. Because I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for some. Between May gray, June gloom, losing my Grandma and feeling the weight of the daily grind, it’s time to switch things up and embracing the careless days and long warm nights of summer. Who’s with me?!
Happy summering and thanks for reading!
x
HAPPENINGS //
WHAT I’M PINNING //
Check out my JULY BOARD to see what summery goodness is currently inspiring me
WHAT I’M COOKING //
Nothing is better than the produce at the farmer’s market in the summertime, so I’m embracing all that bounty with fresh salads, simple seafood roasted or grilled with herbs and summer squash, snacking on juicy tomatoes and savoring stone fruit that is bursting with sweetness. Also the cherries are insane right now and I can’t get stop eating them!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU FOR 4TH OF JULY //
In case you need any last minute ideas for the 4th, here are a few favorites-
SPICY PEACH MARGARITAS (which are made pitcher-style aka perfect for hosting)
WHAT I’M LOVING //
I was long overdue for a new kitchen peeler so I recently got this one and I love it! Then again, what don’t I love from Material Kitchen?!
I’m so obsessed with this bag that at this point I think if I don’t have it with me I will have separation anxiety. Seriously, the color is just TOO good.
I just received this body serum and, while I have yet to fully test it out, I was instantly intoxicated by the heavenly scent. Plus, I just love the brands ethos and that they embody so many incredible things like zero waste, reef safe, single use plastic free, sustainably farmed organic ingredients, upcycled ingredients and giving back to coral reef restoration programs, among other things.
If you haven’t gotten into the cottage cheese hype, or you think it’s not for you, then you have to try Nancy’s. I’m telling you, it is elite. I swear, it taste like burrata, it’s so decadent and creamy (yes, even the lowfat one). Like I just bought 3 containers because I can’t get enough. I mean, it’s so good, I barely even use cheese anymore. Just trust me, try it.
Current treat drink obsession- Poppi Grape. I don’t even care if they’re getting sued, just gimme all their grape soda!
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO //
Loving Kygo’s new album
WHAT I’M WATCHING //
On a real re-watch kick with re-runs of Sex & the City (which really hits different when you’re in your late 30’s) and The Office every night for a daily dose of laughs (because it’s cheaper than therapy)
WHAT I’M WORKING ON //
Currently working on a summer bucket list and creating a bit more joy in every day life (life has gotten a little too routine lately and, ya know, routines are like soooo boring). A few things I’m thinking of adding- making homemade gelato, learning how to make a new pasta shape, eating dinner al fresco at least 2x a week, horseback riding in Malibu, taking my morning coffee and AM routine outside, camping on the beach somewhere along the coast, expanding my herb garden, having weekly evenings out by the fire pit, incorporating some new hobbies (I recently got really into Soduku and I’d love to take a dance class)
WORDS TO LIVE BY //
I didn’t come here not to love my life.